I think it's safe to assume that many writers have their dream writing spot in mind, whether it's a destination for a writing retreat abroad or a room in your home you know exactly how you would renovate if time and money were of no object. A lot of us make do with what we've got, hunkering down at the kitchen table after dinner or writing at a tiny desk tucked in the corner of the bedroom.
And if you're like me, you have to do a fair bit of your writing on the go.
I do a lot of drafting for the blog and a bit of work on my WIP during my lunch breaks at the day job (and admittedly during slower shifts when possible). And if I had a coffee shop nearby, chances are I'd be there on a regular basis, too.
Being a writer on the go can bring its own challenges that may not impact the more stationary writers, so here are some of my tips for writers with more than one "desk."
Invest In Portability
When you're moving between spaces, it is wise to find ways to take your writing with you, and there are many ways to go about it.
Depending on your drafting style, you may want to get a small notebook that you can tuck in your pocket or get a sturdy laptop bag; some PC users might also purchase a tablet or cheap laptop that they can carry with them.
You don't have to splurge, though! Plenty of writers will sync their files to the cloud and access them on their phones—but if you have big thumbs like mine, you may find it helpful to get yourself a Bluetooth keyboard to pair with it.
If you are looking for a device created specifically for writing on the go, you'll find there are several options to pick from.
The one I see advertised most frequently in my feed is the Freewrite, a compact word processor geared towards writers on the go. And, as a bonus, it's also designed to be distraction-free. As a disclaimer, I've not used the Freewrite so I cannot speak to how it performs, but I've heard many good things about it from writers who do own one. However, it is on the pricy side. Depending on the model, you'll be spending upwards of $350.
Now, if you keep up with my social media or this blog, you already know that my writing travel tech of choice is the Alphasmart NEO2. I like to say that the device is a little outdated but not to be underestimated. For anyone unfamiliar, the NEO2 was most commonly used in 2000s elementary schools as a tool for teaching typing but has recently experienced a renaissance among the writing community thanks to its distraction-free design and portability. Even though it lacks the bells and whistles of its modern counterparts, it's still capable of doing the same job (at a significantly lower price, as mine was roughly $90 on eBay).
If you'd like to read more about the NEO2, check out my review here.
It's also good to note that my NEO2 is secondhand and did not come with a case, so I bought a laptop sleeve to give it an extra layer of protection.
Designate Your Writing Carry-All
Now that we've gone over a few tools to make your writing more portable, it's time to think about how you are carrying those writing tools from place to place.
Some writers might have a tote bag or backpack that their writing gear lives in when not in use. That way, you know you have everything you need to write wherever you go.
And if you're looking for a writing-themed design on your designated carry-all, please permit a moment of self-promo to talk about my Redbubble shop Plot Bunny Hollow! Aside from the aforementioned totes and backpacks, the designs are also available on laptop sleeves, pencil bags, and other accessories to add a dash of writerly fair to your everyday life.
You might also want to include a spare charger for your phone in this bag, too, along with any other travel essentials like a reusable water bottle or tools you use to minimize distractions (more on that in a sec!).
Keeping your writing gear in one place makes it easier for writers on the go to make sure they have everything they need to do their thing, no matter where they are.
Eliminate Distractions
Depending on your writing spot, your surroundings may inhibit your ability to focus, so I recommend adding things to your writing travel kit that can aid your concentration. The specific items will depend on the individual writer.
For me, this will include a trusty set of earbuds or earplugs to cut down on external noise; if you do use noise-canceling devices, make sure to remain aware of what is happening around you!
I'll also bring a tin of Thinking Putty or a quiet fidget that I can fiddle with to help me concentrate better. Another writer may find that chewing gum or using a roll-on aromatherapy oil enhances their ability to concentrate. It all depends on what works for you, so don't be afraid to test out new strategies.
Writing out and about can sometimes have you working in bustling conditions, so it's smart to get ahead of distractions and be prepared to thwart them.
Don't Stress About Strangers
Let's be clear—I don't mean this in a "no need to worry about stranger danger" sense, as you should stay vigilant and absolutely trust your gut if something seems out of kelter. What I mean is that when writing on the go takes you to public places, don't stress over what strangers may think.
Truth be told, I didn't become self-conscious about writing in public until after college, as it was far from unusual to see someone typing away on their laptop in the cafeteria or outside on the quad if the weather was good. And with it being a college town, I doubt anyone would have batted an eye if someone were writing in a restaurant or coffee shop.
After graduating, though, writing anywhere that wasn't my desk at home had me feeling out of place. No matter if it were somewhere that would "make sense" to be writing like the library or somewhere a little more unusual like the break room at whichever day job I was working at the time, I'd be feeling a little awkward. I'm sure this was partially the result of the questioning raise of a brow from a coworker when they asked, "so what, are you writing a novel or something?" and my telling that that that was precisely what I was doing. While that's the only instance I can recall apart from high school classmates, it was enough to stir a slight nagging feeling of sorts.
But here's the deal: as writers, our endeavors are bound to be questioned. It seems like kind of an odd thing to be getting into if you're not a writer by nature. Chances are you've had somebody crack a joke about needing a "real job" or know a writer who has. We writers are a misunderstood lot, but that shouldn't stop you—especially if the only time or space you have for writing is in an unconventional spot.
And, hey, chances are that if you do find yourself setting up shop in the food court of a mall (as I often end up doing thanks to where I currently work), any would-be onlookers are going to be more interested in their pizza or pretzels than your writing.
But you never know. If someone does approach and ask what you're up to, it could be out of genuine curiosity. Maybe they're even a writer, too!
Looking back, I've always been a writer on the go, whether I was scribbling the first draft of my first novel down on loose leaf paper in a beat-up binder on the high school bus, working on class assignments at the radio station in college, or turning my lunch breaks into writing sprints at work. Someday, when I have the writing space I dream of, I imagine it will serve as my "home base" but won't be my only writing spot.
I guess you can say I won't be stationery as a writer!
Truth be told, I enjoy getting out and writing in different places. It gives me a chance to reset and view whatever I'm working on from a new angle, which is great for problem-solving or breaking the rut just enough to get back on track after staring at the screen for too long. Writing on the go can take you to some interesting places, but it can lead to unexpected inspiration
So whether you are an on-the-go writer by choice or by circumstance, I hope these tips help you stay productive and motivated when you're on the move.
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